Pumpkin (RT) del 1996 – Yayoi Kusama

In the world of contemporary art, few works manage to tell so much about themselves with the same power as Pumpkin (RT) by Yayoi Kusama. This silkscreen, created in 1996, is not just a piece of art, but a fragment of memory and creativity deeply tied to the artist's roots, and also to her profound connection with the art market, where she now stands as one of the most established living artists.

At the heart of the piece is a red pumpkin, a recurring symbol in her work since 1946. For Kusama, the pumpkin is not just a stylistic figure, but a link to her past and childhood. It evokes warmth, irony, and a deep connection to her family’s tradition of seed merchants. Yet, the pumpkin is never merely a nostalgic figure: in Kusama’s hands, it becomes a powerful means of expression, an ever-evolving form, with her iconic polka-dot pattern that adds three-dimensionality and enhances the surreal character of the image.

The Artwork: A Story of Form and Color

Kusama's pumpkin series is a sensory journey that, like a visual sculpture, captures the imagination of the viewer. In Pumpkin (RT), the polka-dot motif, the hallmark of her visual universe, is used to add movement and depth to the pumpkin, making the image almost come to life. The vibrant colors blend in a harmonious dance, while the pumpkin’s form appears both solid and fluid, as if defying the viewer’s perception. Kusama, in a perfect interplay of balance and chaos, manages to merge her pop and visionary universe into a unique image that tells stories of identity and metamorphosis.

Her ability to transform a simple object into a universal icon is what has made Kusama one of the most powerful voices in contemporary art. And Pumpkin (RT), with its visual energy, is the epitome of this transformation.

An Investment in the Future: Market Data and Performance

The value of Kusama’s works has seen skyrocketing growth in recent years, and Pumpkin (RT) is no exception. In the past 36 months, Kusama’s silkscreens have surpassed auction estimates by over 62%, signaling increasing demand for her work and the trust the market places in the artist.

In just four years, her works have seen an 84% increase, with an astounding +209% since 2014. Her popularity is such that in 2023 Kusama was recognized as the #1 female artist by auction revenue, further solidifying her position in the global art scene.

The value of her works received a significant boost from her first collaboration with Louis Vuitton in 2013, with the average value of her prints increasing by a 4.2x multiplier. If that’s not enough, Kusama’s growth index has seen an incredible +269% in the past decade.

Yayoi Kusama: A Timeless Artist

Yayoi Kusama is one of the most influential and recognized artists worldwide. Born in 1929 in Japan, she has built an extraordinary career, becoming a global icon. Her art, made up of obsessions, repetitions, and surreal visions, has spanned decades, influencing movements like pop art and minimalism, while maintaining a completely unique and unmistakable voice. Her immersive installations, such as the Infinity Mirror Rooms, have become unmissable attractions in museums worldwide, while her works continue to reach millions of dollars in major auction houses.

What makes Kusama a timeless artist is not just her ability to challenge perception and form, but her deep connection to the art market, which continues to grow year after year. Her works, symbolizing a unique and innovative vision, are destined to be collected for generations. And Pumpkin (RT) is a testament to this artistic evolution, continuing to shine in the world of contemporary art with its unmistakable charm.